Assessing thermal comfort in hot and humid (tropical) climates: Urban outdoor and semi-outdoor conditions in waiting areas of railway stations

Abstract

The global phenomenon of global warming has intensified thermal discomfort in tropical metropolitan areas, where rising temperatures and the urban heat island significantly impact outdoor and semi-outdoor environments. These effects are particularly pronounced in tropical metropolitan areas, where the hot and humid climate exacerbates thermal stress. Despite the critical need to understand thermal comfort in such settings, existing research remains limited. This study addresses the research gap by examining how global warming affects thermal comfort in outdoor and semi-outdoor urban spaces, providing insights into the unique challenges these environments present. The study sought to assess both objective physical data and subjective Thermal Sensation Votes (TSV) and preferences. The results suggest that the temperature neutrality needed for thermal comfort is 29.02 °C (R² = 0.95), and a temperature comfortable range of 23.84–30.79 °C (R² = 0.84) is within the acceptable comfort level. This range surpasses the current averages, emphasizing the importance of environmental enhancements for better thermal comfort. The regression analysis indicates that operational temperature (T_o), mean radiant temperature (T_mrt), and body mass index (BMI) are significant variables that may accurately predict thermal sensation. Furthermore, results indicate that individuals with a higher BMI often have a reduced ability to withstand elevated temperatures. This study emphasizes the need of considering both environmental and human factors in order to improve the human comfort level and quality of life.